For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

HEBREWS 10:36KJV
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Hebrews 10:36 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:36 mean?

Hebrews 10:36 says that believers need patience so that, after doing what God wants, they can receive what God has promised. The verse highlights the importance of enduring faithfully until the end in order to experience the fulfillment of God's promises.

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging Christians who are facing difficulties and discouragement. The message is that doing God's will is not always easy or quickly rewarded, but patience (or endurance) is necessary. The promise refers to what God has assured for those who remain faithful, likely pointing to salvation or eternal life.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:36

  • ὑπομονή (hypomonē, "patience"): This Greek word is often understood as "endurance" or "steadfastness," not just waiting but actively holding firm under pressure. The verse is calling for a steady, ongoing commitment even when things are hard.
  • ἐπαγγελία (epangelia, "promise"): The Greek here refers to something God has pledged or assured. It emphasizes that what is being waited for is not just a vague hope, but a specific promise from God.

Why Hebrews 10:36 matters

  • Hebrews 10:36 clarifies that patience is not passive but involves active endurance while continuing to do God's will, which can be a corrective to the idea that faith is only about belief and not perseverance.
  • The verse connects the present struggle of believers to a future reward, showing that suffering or delay does not mean God's promises have failed.
  • In the wider context of Hebrews, this verse prepares readers for the following chapter on faith (Hebrews 11), highlighting that faith and endurance go hand in hand.

Where else these words appear

“receive” Greek G2865 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
  • Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

“patience” Greek G5281 · used in 31 verses

  • Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
  • James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

“need” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
  • Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
  • 2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,